What Does This Old House Say About Moving Statistics?

Moving homes is a significant event, often filled with excitement, stress, and a whole lot of logistics. But as many homeowners turn to reliable sources to navigate this process, understanding the latest trends and statistics around moving becomes crucial. In particular, the This Old House moving report has shed new light on what to expect in 2025, providing valuable insight into local moves — often defined as trips within 50 to 100 miles — and in-state moves. Combining data from popular home services platforms like Thumbtack and local news coverage from OCNJ Daily, this overview aims to clarify how local movers operate, what services they offer, and how pricing structures work.

Defining a Local Move: What's in 50 to 100 Miles?

When homeowners plan their moves, one of the first questions is, “Is this move considered local or long-distance?” According to the This Old House moving report and supported by 2025 moving data collected by Thumbtack, local moves typically fall within a radius of 50 to 100 miles. This definition aligns well with the average distance covered for in-state moves, where residents move between cities or towns without crossing state lines.

Understanding the geography of a move is important for multiple reasons:

• Cost Estimates: The cost differs radically between local and long-distance moves. Local ones tend to be charged hourly, while long-distance may have flat fees.
• Logistics and Timing: Local moves often can be completed within a day, whereas long-distance moves may take several days due to travel time.
• Regulatory Requirements: Interstate moves face additional legal and insurance requirements, which don’t typically apply to local relocations.

The OCNJ Daily reports that many New Jersey residents, for example, fit the "local move" category when relocating within the state or neighboring counties, reflecting the broader national trend.

What Do Local Movers Actually Do?

If you’re wondering, “What services are included when hiring local movers?” here’s how the process generally works, based on industry insights including the This Old House moving report and real customer experiences shared on Thumbtack:

1. Packing: Movers often provide partial or full packing services. This includes wrapping delicate items, boxing up household goods, and labeling everything for ease of unpacking.
2. Loading: Skilled movers load your belongings into the truck carefully, using furniture pads, dollies, and straps to protect items and ensure safe transport.
3. Driving: The transportation from your old home to your new one is performed by professional drivers familiar with local roads and traffic patterns.
4. Unloading: Movers unload the truck and place items in the corresponding rooms, sometimes unboxing essentials on request.

Local moving crew leaders — many with years of experience in planning and executing smooth transitions moving company near me pricing — stress that a pro move does more than just “haul stuff.” It anticipates common challenges, such as narrow stairs, tight corners, and fragile heirlooms.

Furniture Protection and Basic Assembly Services

One area often overlooked by customers is the level of furniture protection that movers provide. The This Old House moving report highlights some best practices that reputable movers follow:

• Furniture Pads and Blankets: To avoid scratches and damages, movers cover sofas, tables, and dressers with thick blankets or pads.
• Disassembly of Bulky Items: Beds, entertainment centers, and some wardrobes are partially disassembled before the move and reassembled at the destination.
• Use of Straps and Dollies: Items are secured in the moving truck with straps to prevent shifting during transit, and dollies minimize floor damage while moving heavy pieces.

Basic assembly services are often included or available at a modest additional cost. For example, putting bed frames back together or attaching table legs is standard fare. When using platforms like Thumbtack, customers can read detailed reviews that often mention the quality of these assembly services, helping set expectations before booking.

Hourly Pricing Explained: What Changes the Rate?

One of the most talked-about subjects in the 2025 moving data is the pricing structure, especially for local movers. Unlike long-distance moves, where you often pay a flat rate, local movers tend to bill hourly. But what exactly influences that hourly rate?

Factor Effect on Hourly Rate Notes Number of Movers More movers can increase overall hourly cost but reduce total hours Popular teams have 2-4 movers and balance efficiency vs. hourly charges Stairs and Elevators Adding flights of stairs can raise rates Some movers charge per flight of stairs or for elevator restrictions, so it’s best to confirm ahead Distance Within the Local Range Longer distances within the 50-100 mile local range may increase charges Fuel costs and travel time are factored into hourly pricing Packing and Unpacking Services Additional packing increases hourly rates Full packing vs. partial packing costs vary; always verify what's included Date and Time Weekend and holiday moves often cost more due to demand Weekdays and early bookings can yield better discounts Special Items Handling pianos, antiques, or bulky gym equipment may raise costs Specialized equipment or more manpower may be necessary

Reports featured on OCNJ Daily emphasize the importance of getting clear estimates upfront. Is it in writing? Always ask. That’s a personal quirk I carry after years of leading moves. Clarifying what’s included prevents surprises on moving day.

Why Are In-State Moves Growing in Popularity?

In 2025, moving trends indicate a rise in in-state moves. Census data and platforms like Thumbtack highlight these reasons:

• Remote Work Flexibility: More people relocate within states to find affordable housing or better amenities while keeping jobs.
• Cost-Efficiency: Local moves avoid the complexities and higher pricing of interstate moves.
• Familiarity and Support Networks: Staying within the state means easier access to family and friends for support during transitions.

Home improvement media from Take a look at the site here This Old House also points to enhancements in local services such as moving companies adapting to these trends by offering more customized offers tailored for short-distance, in-state moves.

Wrapping Up: How to Navigate Your Next Local Move

Whether you’re reading the This Old House moving report or gathering moving stats from Thumbtack and OCNJ Daily, several key takeaways can help improve your moving journey:

1. Confirm Definitions: Understand if your move qualifies as local, and plan accordingly.
2. Request Detailed Estimates: Hourly rates vary based on stairs, packing, and special items — get these details in writing.
3. Understand Included Services: Ask about furniture protection, disassembly, and assembly to avoid unexpected fees.
4. Use Trusted Reviews and Platforms: Sites like Thumbtack provide real customer feedback on movers’ reliability and transparency.
5. Book Early: Scheduling well ahead often secures better rates and availability.

Moving can be one of life’s most complex logistics challenges, but with the right knowledge and professional partners, the transition can be smooth and stress-free. The 2025 moving data and the insights from This Old House, complemented by daily updates from OCNJ Daily and service reviews on Thumbtack, provide a comprehensive guide for homeowners facing their next move — especially those planning local or in-state relocations.

So, before you sign on the dotted line with any moving company, just remember to ask: Is that in writing?